I’ve often commented on the sad tactics debt collectors use to shake down distressed debtors. Fortunately, there’s no prize for the sleaziest tactics. If there were, Alpine Credit Inc. out of Lakewood, Colorado would win a blue ribbon.

A client of my colleague and fellow NACBA member Will Evans received a letter from Alpine that conveyed this delightful message:

“The bench warrant from your arrest will remain in effect until your judgment is satisfied. We are confident, at some point in time you will be pulled over for a traffic violation, will need to renew your drivers license, or will be arrested at your home. You must post a cash bond before you will be released from jail. Your failure to face the seriousness of this matter will only result in further expenses.”

Interestingly, Alpine Credit apparently touts itself as being “professional”, “ethical” and “legal.” For real.

Will tells me that his client was “…in extreme distress because she was afraid to take her kids to school for fear of being pulled over and arrested in front of them.”

At the risk of sounding unprofessional, what kind of desperate little scum-bag bill collector needs to descend to such levels? I can't imagine it's ethical, and I know it's not legal.

Most people would – if they could - pay their bills. The last thing struggling folks need is a letter like this…and the fear and sleepless nights it spawns. A violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act? You bet. But perhaps more importantly: it's just plain wrong.